Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Berkeley, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Berkeley are Berry Bangs, Elmwood, and Hillegass. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Berkeley, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of February 3, 2026, the average rent in Berkeley is $2,261, which is 0.7% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
Berry Bangs
Average Rent
$2,434/Month
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
19 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, Berry Bangs might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,434, while the city’s average stands at $2,261. Berry Bangs is near UC Berkeley Museum of Paleontology, Willard Park, and Lincoln University, Oakland.
Elmwood
Average Rent
$2,451/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.3%
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
39 Rentals
Elmwood is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Elmwood is $2,451 while the city average is $2,261. This is a 0.3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Lincoln University, Oakland, Rockridge Station, and UC Berkeley. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 95.
Hillegass
Average Rent
$2,470/Month
TransitScore® Rating
63/100
Units Available
46 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Hillegass. The average rent is $2,470, compared to the city average of $2,261. Hillegass is convenient to University and Jepson Herbaria, Downtown Berkeley Station, and Berkeley City College. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 96.
South Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,514/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
TransitScore® Rating
65/100
Units Available
168 Rentals
South Berkeley is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,514. Compare this to the city average of $2,261. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.5%. South Berkeley provides easy access to Southside Square, Lincoln University, Oakland, and North Berkeley Station. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 93.
San Pablo Park
Average Rent
$2,594/Month
TransitScore® Rating
56/100
Units Available
20 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, San Pablo Park might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,594, while the city’s average stands at $2,261. San Pablo Park is near San Francisco International, Berkeley City College, and UC Berkeley.
Spaulding at Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,600/Month
TransitScore® Rating
67/100
Units Available
29 Rentals
Spaulding at Berkeley is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Spaulding at Berkeley is $2,600 while the city average is $2,261. Residents enjoy convenient access to Downtown Berkeley, Ashby Station, and San Francisco International. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 89.
Downtown Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,698/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.1%
TransitScore® Rating
71/100
Units Available
299 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Downtown Berkeley. The average rent is $2,698, compared to the city average of $2,261. Rent prices have decreased by 0.1%. Downtown Berkeley is convenient to 2450-2480 Shattuck Avenue Corner, Downtown Berkeley Station, and Southside Square. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 97.
Poet's Corner
Average Rent
$2,755/Month
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
24 Rentals
Poet's Corner is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,755. Compare this to the city average of $2,261. Poet's Corner provides easy access to Lincoln University, Oakland, Southside Square, and San Francisco International. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 93.
North Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,766/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
TransitScore® Rating
65/100
Units Available
110 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, North Berkeley might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,766, while the city’s average stands at $2,261. In the last year, prices have decreased by 0.7%. North Berkeley is near North Berkeley Station, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, and Codornices Park.
Southwest Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,807/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.7%
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
74 Rentals
Southwest Berkeley is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Southwest Berkeley is $2,807 while the city average is $2,261. This is a 1.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to The Public Market, Samuel Merritt University, and Southside Square. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.
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Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.